Dear Old Me… (an open letter to my younger self)

I know, right now it feels like life could not get any more complicated. But let me tell you, it can, and it will.

You are going (and growing) through a very tough time in your life. Being carefree and joyful as most kids your age is nearly impossible. Don’t forget that you ARE still a kid, eventhough you have to grow up way too fast. I’m so proud of you and thankful you‘re not giving up! Know that you will overcome obstacles and challenges, both big and small. You are so brave and strong, you can’t even imagine!

Let me tell you, things rarely happen the way we plan. You won’t be married or have kids by the age of 30, like you always thought. But it’s okay. You will learn a very valuable lesson:

While right now having a boyfriend is the most important thing to you, you will come to realize (after many trials and errors) that you don’t NEED a man in your life to be happy. Everything you need is already inside of you. You will be able to detach from that idea and find friends that will be better for you than any boyfriend you could have ever asked for, giving you the emotional support you need.

People have and will say hurtful things that will get you down, but do not get stuck in it, pick yourself up. Stand up for yourself and say what you’re thinking, sometimes others need to hear it.  Don’t let people walk all over you. Listen closely cause this is important: You don’t exist to please others.

So stop wasting time worrying about what all the other kids think of you. Stop worrying about wearing all the “right” brands and stop trying to fit in. Guess what? It does not matter what they think or say; plus they are still trying to figure out who they are themselves.

Don’t be scared to let go of people who refuse to treat you right. You are FREE to choose who you share time and energy with. And stop feeling guilty! You deserve better, and you’re worth it. Find the people who love you for who you are – they exist, I promise.

Put yourself first. Always. Cause if you don’t do it, no one else will. And always trust your intuition cause it just knows what’s up.

PLEASE stop hating your body. Stop worrying about not being skinny enough and your pale skin. Stop hating your nose, the size of your feet and your thighs. Stop thinking you can‘t leave the house without applying a ton of makeup, eventhough that’s what you see your role-models doing. I know when you look in the mirror you do not like what you see. But you are beautiful inside and out. Rather than putting so much focus on outward appearances, turn inward and find what’s beautiful about you on the inside; your kind heart, your many talents. Soon you’ll find this inner beauty will be reflected outward, too.

Find the time to do what you love everyday. Do the things that scare you. Don’t let your fear of failure hold you back from trying new things. You’ll learn more that way, and you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the things you did do.  You can learn to do anything you want!

What I’m trying to say is: Stop worrying about each and every little thing, because eventually, life will work itself out – trust me.